CAP DEADLINES MET

That figure represents more than £450 million in Pillar 1 payments and over £82 million in Pillar 2 Payments to farmers and crofters for the 2019 scheme

This comes ahead of schedule, in spite of the disruption of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Welcoming the progress, Mr Ewing said:

“Despite the extraordinary challenges caused by the COVID-19 crisis, I am delighted that we have delivered more than half a billion pounds in 2019 Common Agriculture Payments (CAP) and have met all of our statutory targets.

“Meeting these targets during a global health pandemic is a huge achievement. Working from home, our teams have ensured that CAP payments are made swiftly – and the Scottish Government will continue do everything it can to support farmers and crofters as we gradually and safely move out of lockdown.

“I would also like to thank the farmers and crofters who heeded our calls and worked with us to submit their 2020 applications on time, putting us in the best position possible to make the coming year’s payments.

“Scotland’s farming community has worked hard, putting in long hours and days throughout lockdown to keep food on our plates. The global impact of the pandemic has highlighted the importance of food supply chains, and should remind us all not to take food and food security for granted.

“In the months ahead, I will continue to focus on providing Scotland’s farmers and crofters with certainty, clarity and above all else, financial stability.”

These figures relate to 2019 Single Application Form claims for Common Agricultural Policy Schemes.

Pillar 1 figures are for Basic Payment Support, Greening and Young Farmer, Scottish Upland Sheep Support Scheme and Scottish Suckler Beef Support Scheme payments.

Pillar 2 figures are for Less Favoured Area Support Scheme, Agri-Environment and Climate Scheme annual recurrent, Forestry Grant Scheme annual recurrent, Rural Priorities annual recurrent and Beef Efficiency Scheme Payments.